A TEAM of cyclists is tackling a gruelling route through the Alps to raise money for charity.

The four-strong group aims to cycle 1,200 miles and climb to 50,000 feet, taking in a dozen iconic Tour de France ascents along the way.

Together the quartet hopes to raise £10,000 for causes including Airedale Hospital’s Endoscopy Appeal.

Among those taking part is primary school teacher Christa Baldwin, 33, whose mum died after a late diagnosis of cancer.

"I want to inspire the children I teach as well as other female cyclists," she said.

"I am cycling for Airedale’s endoscopy unit as it helps with the early diagnosis of many illnesses including cancer, which is particularly poignant for me.

"This is in memory of my mum."

She will be joined on the ride by Kevin Wharton and Kevin Owens, both 60, and Ray Cryer, who will be 66 when they set off next month.

Mr Wharton, a Skipton Rotarian, said: "Like many other people I have lost family and friends to cancer. Airedale’s endoscopy unit provides that opportunity for early diagnosis for a lot of life-threatening conditions.”

They will start from the village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in Provence and plan to finish on August 23 at Airedale Hospital.

Other charities to benefit are Breast Cancer Care, the Army Benevolent Fund and the Rotary Foundation.

To support the team, email mo@legrandvelo.info